MCA Certificate of Competency Passage Planning and Execution Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to UK regulations, which legal instrument primarily mandates the requirement for a comprehensive berth-to-berth passage plan before a vessel proceeds to sea?
- The International Safety Management (ISM) Code
- The Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2020 (Correct answer)
- The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
- The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Regulations 2014
Correct answer: The Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2020
The Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2020 implement SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 34 into UK law. This regulation requires the master of a vessel to ensure that the intended voyage has been planned from berth to berth, taking into account all relevant information.
Question 2: During the 'Appraisal' stage of passage planning, which of the following actions is the primary focus for the navigating officer?
- Calculating the vessel's fuel consumption for the voyage.
- Briefing the bridge team on the intended route.
- Gathering and considering all relevant information for the intended voyage. (Correct answer)
- Plotting the final course on the nautical charts.
Correct answer: Gathering and considering all relevant information for the intended voyage.
The Appraisal stage is the first of the four stages of passage planning. Its purpose is to gather all information relevant to the proposed voyage, including assessing risks. This involves consulting nautical charts, publications like Admiralty Sailing Directions, tide tables, weather forecasts, and information on navigational hazards.
Question 3: A vessel is executing a passage plan from Southampton to Rotterdam. The Officer of the Watch (OOW) notices that the vessel is consistently setting to the south of the planned track due to a strong northerly wind. What is the most appropriate immediate action during the 'Monitoring' phase?
- Continue on the current heading and wait for the Master's arrival on the bridge.
- Make a bold alteration of course to port to regain the track line quickly.
- Inform the Master, check for dangers, and apply a suitable course correction to counteract the set and drift. (Correct answer)
- Record the deviation in the log book and wait until the next waypoint to make a correction.
Correct answer: Inform the Master, check for dangers, and apply a suitable course correction to counteract the set and drift.
The 'Monitoring' stage involves the continuous checking of the vessel's position against the plan. When a deviation is detected, the OOW must take action. This includes informing the Master as per standing orders, assessing the immediate situation for any new hazards, and making a considered alteration of course to safely regain the track or establish a new, safe track. The Bridge Procedures Guide emphasizes the dynamic nature of monitoring and responding to deviations.
Question 4: Which of the following is an essential component of the 'Execution' phase of a passage plan?
- Finalising the under-keel clearance calculations.
- Ensuring the plan is approved by the Designated Person Ashore (DPA).
- Carrying out the plan, taking into account the actual conditions experienced. (Correct answer)
- Updating all charts and publications for the next voyage.
Correct answer: Carrying out the plan, taking into account the actual conditions experienced.
The 'Execution' phase begins when the vessel is ready to depart. It involves implementing the detailed plan created during the 'Planning' stage. This requires the bridge team to follow the plan while also having the flexibility to adjust for the prevailing circumstances, such as traffic density, weather, or changes in visibility, which may differ from the forecast conditions.
Question 5: As per the guidance in the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, who holds the ultimate responsibility for verifying and approving the final passage plan before departure?
- The Second Officer, as the designated navigating officer.
- The shipping company's marine superintendent.
- The local Port State Control officer.
- The Master of the vessel. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The Master of the vessel.
While the task of preparing the passage plan may be delegated to another officer (commonly the Second Officer), the Master retains ultimate responsibility for the plan. The Master must check, critique, and formally approve the plan before the voyage commences, ensuring it is safe and comprehensive.
Question 6: When planning a passage through the Dover Strait, which of the following publications or sources is considered essential for the 'Appraisal' and 'Planning' stages under UK best practice?
- The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual.
- Admiralty Sailing Directions (Dover Strait Pilot) and relevant charts. (Correct answer)
- The International Medical Guide for Ships (IMGS).
- The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP).
Correct answer: Admiralty Sailing Directions (Dover Strait Pilot) and relevant charts.
For any specific sea area, the relevant volume of Admiralty Sailing Directions (also known as 'Pilots') is a critical source of information. The Dover Strait Pilot (NP 28) contains detailed information on regulations, tides, currents, navigational hazards, and traffic systems specific to that area. This, along with up-to-date nautical charts, forms the foundation of the appraisal and planning stages.
MCA Certificate of Competency Passage Planning and Execution Questions and Answers
According to UK regulations, which legal instrument primarily mandates the requirement for a comprehensive berth-to-berth passage plan before a vessel proceeds to sea?